United States President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of the European Union on Wednesday, claiming the bloc was created to “screw” the United States as he detailed plans for new tariffs.
Speaking at his first cabinet meeting since returning to the White House, Trump said the EU had “really taken advantage of us” and vowed to impose a 25% tariff on key European exports, including cars—a move that could hit Germany’s struggling economy hard.
“Look, let’s be honest, the European Union was formed in order to screw the United States,” Trump told reporters as he gathered his cabinet for the first time.
“That’s the purpose of it, and they’ve done a good job of it. But now I’m president,” Trump said.
For decades, Washington supported European integration, viewing it as a means of ensuring peace on the continent after two world wars.
But Trump has taken a different approach, championing an “America First” policy that prioritises US interests over multilateral partnerships.
Trump’s remarks come during growing transatlantic tensions, particularly over trade and military spending.
The US reported a $235.6 billion trade deficit with the EU last year, which Trump cited as justification for the upcoming tariffs.
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, was due to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Wednesday, but the meeting was abruptly cancelled, with officials citing scheduling issues.
Meanwhile, Trump has held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and is set to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The tensions extend beyond trade. Trump has pushed for Europe to take the lead in supporting Ukraine, a shift that has alarmed European leaders.
On Monday, the US sided with Russia at the United Nations by supporting a resolution calling for a swift end to the war without insisting on Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
German election winner Friedrich Merz has warned that Europe must move quickly to achieve “independence” from the US on defense matters.
Meanwhile, Trump insisted Wednesday that Europe, not the US, should provide security guarantees to Ukraine, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to sign an agreement giving Washington control over key mineral resources in his country.
